Glen Crest Readers Meet “Big Splash” Author

The Library Information and Technology Center Director at Glen Crest Middle School did it again! She invited one of the middle school students favorite authors to spend the afternoon with the 8th grade, Thursday, November 17. Jack D. Ferraiolo is the author of “Big Splash,” a 2009 Edgar Award nominee that the Glen Crest students discovered, read and really enjoyed. The book was Ferraiolo's first novel geared for middle school kids and he struck gold. The New York Times believes the book is entertaining and thrilling, Publishers Weekly exclaimed, “A first novel with an ingenious premise: junior high noir...Twists and curve balls keep readers guessing; extended jokes will keep them laughing.”

In May of 2010, the author published “Sidekicks,” which, “Takes the costumed superheroes genre out for a joyride, and anyone who comes along will never look at comics the same way again,” wrote the Publishers Weekly.

The 8th graders had a class period to visit with the author and ask him about his motivation and inspiration for his books. They discovered he is not only an author but an animator as well. He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in Animation as the head writer for PBS's WordGirl, a series he co-created. His work has been featured on Adult Swim and he recently created a new show for PBSKidsGo.org.

The message was a positive one for the students. “Read lots of books and read different styles of books. You may find a type of writing that really strikes your interest. Try writing your own story.” The advice came through and the audience was enthusiastic. Ferraiolo's books were available for purchase and he autographed books at the conclusion of his presentation.